Fort H.G. Wright

Fort H.G. Wright (1898-1948) - An Endicott Period Coastal Fort first established in 1898 in Suffolk County, New York. Named in G.O. 43, 4 Apr 1900, after MG Horatio G. Wright, U.S. Volunteers, a distinguished officer of the U.S. Civil War, and Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army, 1879-1884. Abandoned in 1948.

Initial post construction began in ernest in 1900 and by 1902 the small two company coastal fort was essentially complete with two enlisted 109 man barracks, seven sets of officer quarters, four sets of NCO quarters and numerous support buildings. A second round of post construction took place in 1908-1911 that expanded the post to accommodate a total of six companies by adding two large double 218 man barracks, seven additional sets of officer quarters, five sets of NCO quarters and additional support structures including a PX and a larger hospital.

The U.S. entry into World War I resulted in a widespread removal of large caliber coastal defense gun tubes for service in Europe. Many of the gun and mortar tubes removed were sent to arsenals for modification and mounting on mobile carriages, both wheeled and railroad. Most of the removed gun tubes never made it to Europe and were either remounted or remained at the arsenals until needed elsewhere. In 1917 Battery Marcy, Battery Hamilton (2) and Battery Barlow (2) were all directed to dismount their guns for service abroad. In 1918 Battery Barlow was ordered to remount its guns but the guns for the two 6" batteries were shipped to Watervliet Arsenal and then to France. Battery Marcy and Battery Hamilton (2) were not rearmed. In May of 1918 four of Battery Clinton mortars were ordered dismounted and prepared for shipment. This left each mortar pit with the two rear mortars, reducing crowding in the pits and the manpower required to salvo the battery.

The post expanded during World War I but with temporary buildings. The expansion can be seen in the 1921 plan above. By 1930 most of the temporary WWI buildings were gone.